Cyber education and prevention of risk behaviors in the context of HIV

Abstract

Cyber-education is a communication strategy that allows reaching key, vulnerable populations and the general population through social networks. It uses behavior-change interventions to promote the adoption of healthy behaviors related to various health issues, including the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). This article aims to demonstrate the effectiveness of implementing cyber-education for HIV prevention. A literature review was conducted between March 2024 and August 2025. The most relevant studies addressing digital interventions as an applicable tool for HIV prevention were explored and synthesized. Twenty-five articles from primary sources were reviewed using searchable databases: VHL, Google Scholar, and PubMed. Selection criteria included articles related to the topic, in Spanish or English, published within the last five years (2019–2024), and freely accessible. Exclusion criteria were duplicate articles and articles requiring paid access. This paper addresses digital health in relation to the HIV/AIDS health-disease process, behavioral changes regarding risky practices in STI transmission, as well as health paradigms and indicators. This allows for an understanding of the changes in the digital age and how these have contributed to health approaches as a response to technological transformations in medicine and the more effective use of social media for HIV prevention. This literature review has identified how digital health is being leveraged in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of diseases, including HIV.